Ex-racehorse show class - Tips please

[LouB]

My racehorse is not a racehorse and has never wanted to be.

I am trying to find him another job and have been adding to his CV before trying to find him a new home. We have done a couple of little unaffiliated shows/dressage and even won our latest show class. I heard on the grapevine a local biggish show (county standard im led to believe) was short on entries so I bit the bullet and entered.

I need some tips on presentation and my 'show' so we don't look like fish out of water! I am not a showing person but think I have a grip on the bare bones of it from my pony days.

I was thinking of borrowing a double bridle, what else should I think of (that won't break the bank)? I only have a silver HS1 riding hat and an amerigo jump saddle. Im worried they'll spot im a fraud straight away! Help!

Many thanks

 

[Show Girl]

Hi ya LouB, if you are doing a racehorse class at county level a double bridle would be a good start, make sure your horse is well and truely comfortable being riden in one as at this level the judge is likely to ride (unless says not riding on schedule) one thing judges hate is getting on a horse and then having to basically 'school' it round the ring, if your horse isn't happy with a double you could try a rugby pelham looks similar on the outside to a double but only one bit (you will still need a sliphead on the bridle). Saddle wise I would try and see if you can borrow something straighter cut than a jumping saddle, I know this could be difficult especially if your TB is like my lot and has withers like Mount Everest !!! One of the reasons for straighter cut saddles in the showing world is to show off the action from the shoulder. Have any of your friends got a gp or vsd you could borrow (try to stick to brown tack if possible). Hat wise usually velvet ones, but have seen an array of hats ! Brown gloves, brown show cane if horse is happy with you carrying a whip if they are not if judge is riding politely explain that your horse isn't happy with a whip they will probably give it to a steward (or you) to hold. If you have to do an individual show instead of judge riding, basically you need to show trot, canter and gallop, for the trot and canter a nice big figure of 8 on both reins showing both paces will be ok, do this in front of the line up so the judge can see you all the time, like wise with the gallop, go up the long side of the areana in front of the judge and line up, so many people go round the back of the line up for this, why I do not know as the judge can't see you. Make sure the gallop is nice and controlled and the pull up is smooth and you haven't looked like your out of control, come back to trot towards the judge walk and halt (squarely) in front of them and give a little nod and smile. You will probably have to strip (horse not you) so you might want to have a 'groom' waiting outside the ring with a small grooming kit (not in a carrier bag!), consisting of a brush, dampish sponge and a bottle of water (believe me you will be gasping for a drink) possibly a mounting block if you can't get on from the ground, get them to come in when they see other 'grooms' coming into the ring, this strip will happen after either judge or you has done the individual bit, take saddle of give horse a quick polish up (dampish spong handy for sweaty bits) the judge will ask you all in turn to come out and stand horse in front of them then you'll be asked to walk horse away and trot back, once done come back to line up replace saddle and hop back on, groom can now leave with anything they came in with. once everyone has been seen, you will all go back out on a circle and judge will call you in in final order (hopefully 1st). Below is a picture of me in a riding horse class, although horse isn't a TB the turnout is basically the same.

Sorry for such a long post, I do get carried away, and I hope I haven't put you off !!! PM me if you want anymore advice or have any questions, I'm at Cranleigh Show this Sunday my friend is doing a racehorse class, so if you are local to Surrey feel free to let me know and meet up
GOOD LUCK !!!

 

[trick123]

we did the ROR challenge class today that involved jumping about 8 fences approx 90cms and a short show with prescribed movements. it was great as all the entries looked true amateurs. it did help we came second but a great class for ex racehorses.

 

[LouB]

Many thanks Show Girl, lots of useful advice!

I completely forgot about the trot up, better get practicing or i'll be dragging the lazy monkey. Will also have to beg O/H to do my grooming bit, he'll hate it! hehe!

My horse is a complete dobbin and I hope they'll take his manners into account rather than looking at his mount everest wither and lack of movement. Schedule says judge won't ride which is shame for me as he's a gent.

P.S you look very professional, I will do my best to copy!

 

[Laura1234]

Does anyone know if you have to have a Weatherby's registered ex-racer to enter? I have a German ex-racer and wanted to do the ridden classes? At the moment I am struggling to find out where to send my passport to register us as his new owner, as the website is.... in German
Would Weatherby's stamp it/authorise it?? I don't want a new passport, as he has all his history and races he did in his current passport, but I am struggling to find the info - Thanks!